Thyroid disease symptoms range from overweight, or underweight, to sexual dysfunction. Learn the symptoms of thyroid problems and what to do about them.
Ahhh, the thyroid…
That tiny little gland in your neck, shaped like a butterfly, that barely weighs an ounce. Not a gland you normally associate with sexual function.
No, the subject of thyroid usually gets mentioned in terms of unusual weight gain or loss. Or maybe when it comes to fatigue and lack of energy.
But sexual or libido problems? Nah… That’s usually testosterone territory.
A Closer Look
The thyroid’s job is to take in iodine from food (thyroid cells are the only ones in the body that can absorb iodine) and turn it into thyroid hormone. About 80% of those hormones are thyroxine (T4) and 20% are triiodothyronine (T3).(1) These hormones then speed through the bloodstream because every cell in your body depends on them to control metabolism – the basic conversion of calories and oxygen to energy.
The thyroid is your body’s “furnace” and the hormones it produces are the “heat”. No wonder you feel out of whack when thyroid production goes haywire!
But that’s just the beginning…
The “Heat” Has Left the Bedroom
Your thyroid controls – and gets blamed for – a lot of things. But one ground-breaking study, published in the December 2005 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism focused on thyroid disease symptoms and particular male sexual problems. The study considered 48 adult men. 34 had “hyperthyroidism” (an over-active thyroid producing too much hormone) and 14 had “hypothyroidism” (an under-active thyroid that doesn’t produce enough hormone).
Here’s how it went…
Before the study:
64.3% of the HYPOthyroid men complained of not only low libido, but ED and delayed ejaculation. 7.1% of them complained of PE or premature climax.
50% of the men with HYPERthyroid symptoms complained of PE or premature climax while 17.6% of them described low sex drive. 14.7% of this same group had erectile problems.(2)
Kinda shakes up your view of the thyroid, doesn’t it???
But here’s the good news: correct diagnosis and treatment of thyroid problems restored the men to “normal” thyroid levels and reversed the majority of the sexual symptoms.
More Thyroid Connections
Since thyroid function is so closely linked to cellular energy and metabolism, it should be no surprise that it affects all major functions of the body. Let me list some vital ones for you:
Even a “mildly underactive” thyroid (medically termed “subclinical” and usually ignored as a symptom) resulted in twice the risk of Heart Failure. Keep in mind that according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, at least 27 million Americans have some type of thyroid disease and half of those people are undiagnosed.(3)
Dr. Michel Chonchol of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and Dr. Giovanni Targher of the University of Verona Italy found that 9.5% of patients with chronic kidney disease have subclinical hypothyroidism according to their blood tests, even though they showed no signs or thyroid disease symptoms. This is a serious finding since subclinical hypothyroidism is more common in older adults, and overall, it is found in about 4%-10% of the general population.(4)
A few cautions…
Some doctors will prescribe thyroid meds for thyroid disease symptoms (whether you have a diseased thyroid or not). Whether or not you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid problems, there are some things to keep in mind. Thyroxine (T4) is not absorbed as well by the body under certain conditions. That’s why your doctor, if he or she has prescribed supplemental thyroid for you, will say to take the medication on an empty stomach.
Both food and fiber slow down the absorption of thyroid meds. So does coffee! So don’t think you can swallow that med with a cup of coffee while you’re waiting to eat something!(5)
Other substances that can slow down absorption are antacids and medications containing aluminum. Iron supplements have the same effect, so spread out your intake if you use any of these things in addition to a thyroid supplement.
The tiny thyroid gland – weighing about the same as a stack of five quarters held in the palm of your hand – has an enormous impact on your health! And it’s a prime consideration when it comes to vibrant sexual capacity.
Do consult your personal doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise or supplement regimen.
Sources:
“How Your Thyroid Works – A Delicate Feedback Mechanism”, endocrineweb.com
Carani, Cesare, et.al “Multicenter Study on the Prevalence of Sexual Symptoms in Male Hypo- and Hyperthyroid Patients”, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Vol 90:12, 6472-6479
Edelson E, “Low Thyroid Function Linked to Heart Failure Risk”, US News & World Report, Sep 22, 2008
“Low Thyroid Function Common In Chronic Kidney Disease”, American Society of Nephrology, Science Daily, June 11, 2008
Liwanpo L, Hershman J, “Conditions and drugs interfering with thyroxine absorption”, Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 23:6, Dec 2009, 781-792
Dr. Blankstein has been practicing for over 30 years as a leading Cardiologist. Trained in traditional medicine and Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease, he knows the importance of good medical care. This consideration has allowed him to discover safe and natural ways of healing. His dedication to bringing the latest and best in health solutions to his patients and the public has given him the experience to research and develop proven natural remedies for many illnesses.